Hospitality News October 25, 2017

October 25, 2017

DON’T MAKE THESE MISTAKES RELATED TO CYBER LIABILITY

Closing out Cyber Security Awareness month, we all need to be aware that as customer data continues to be obtained and stored by restaurants, the risk of a data breach inside or outside the restaurant continues to increase year over year. Malicious hackers typically steal credit card data from restaurants by hacking into point-of-sale systems remotely and seeding those systems with malicious software that can copy account data stored on a card’s magnetic strip. Thieves then use that data to clone the cards and use the counterfeits to purchase high-priced merchandise, or put them up for sale in a so-called theft bazaar such as Joker’s Stash. In the midst of this activity, there are some very dangerous misconceptions held by restaurant owners preventing them from taking necessary steps to better understand their cyber risk and coverage related to such vulnerabilities. Consider these 4 Common Mistakes a Restaurant Owner Can Make in this area of risk management.

ANNOUNCING THE 2017-2018 CRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Colorado Restaurant Association is led by people actively involved in our industry. The men and women who serve as directors of the Association have not only successfully run their own businesses, but have volunteered countless hours in effective leadership within the Association. We are pleased to announce the 2017-2018 Leadership for the Association and we thank them for their dedication. They officially began their term at the recent October Board of Directors meeting. Meet them here!

CRA PREPARES FOR THE 2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

At the CRA Board Orientation last week, the Government Affairs Committee met to discuss legislative issues happening around the country and how we can be prepared when they come to Colorado. Mike Whatley, Vice President of State and Local Affairs for the National Restaurant Association spoke about these reoccurring issues and how other states have handled them. Issues currently facing restaurants around the country include: paid leave, marijuana, restrictive scheduling, the opioid epidemic, allergen trends, paid family and medical leave, expanded menu labeling, sugary sweetened beverage taxes, BAC limits, and social issues like bathroom bills. The Committee had in-depth conversations about these topics and our government affairs team is using that feedback to prepare for the coming legislative session where some of these issues may come up.

+ If you want to provide input to the CRA on how we should be representing the restaurant industry at the state legislature, we encourage you to join the Legislative Sub Committee. This committee meets via conference call once a week during the legislative session to discuss all of the bills that will impact our industry in Colorado. Interested? Please contact Nick Hoover.

BOWLING FOR BUCKS

Teams are selling out fast! Act now if you want to get in on the bowling action on November 8th for an industry friendly bowling competition to raise funds for the Mile High Chapter Hardship Fund and the CRF Angel Relief Fund. Can’t bowl but still want to participate? Then register for the rooting (aka heckling) section. Everyone is welcome! Learn more and Register Here!

Network with fellow business owners, stay up to date on legislative issues important to our industry, connect with your peers, take advantage of significant savings opportunities and stay informed. Join the Colorado Restaurant Association!

Restaurant Owners – The CRA is a full-service solution for every type and size of restaurant. We are powerful advocates for the industry, an information hub and a catalyst for networking. And we’re committed to offering meaningful benefits and resources you need to run a profitable business.

Service Providers - Companies that serve restaurants have a strong ally in the CRA. Our restaurant members look to the CRA members first when seeking products and services, they also make the real connections with service providers at local and state events.